Don't get too excited,,,

I'm THINKING about starting to post again,,, I can't decide,though,,,shall I?

Wish the period key on my computer wasn't eternally broken,,,

Flight of the Trampoline

The day was hot and sultry. A gentle breeze was blowing. Eric looks out the back window and much to his surprise, a fierce dust devil appears. It was an angry little devil. It picked the trampoline up and blew it into the air. Sadie and Zane scream in disbelief. In order to frighten the tramp as much as possible, the devil twirls it around and around and through the air and across the backyard. The trampoline must be punished. A defenseless little tree is flattened in the process. Through the air and almost into the power lines it flew. Cars slam on their brakes as they see the trampoline flying and coming straight toward them. Over the fence it flies, landing right next to the busy road. A disaster is averted. Eric travels to the desert behind the house to gather the broken body of our beloved friend. We will miss you, dear tramp.

Trampoline for Sale at a Discount Price

BK, would you mind?

I am all out of Mexican vanilla. Would you please run down the street and get some more for me? Thanks. Just bring it next time you come up. You're lucky you live in Mexico because you have great access to things like wonderful vanilla. Don't worry, I'm good for it :)

Shut up...I'm starving!!!

I'm not sure why, but when Millie Jones is pregnant or nursing, she gets a severe case of the crazies. It doesn't matter if there is a huge pile of dog food out, she get the CRAVINGS for people food. If you open the door she runs in looking for crumbs. When the kids walk through the back door and leave it open (almost every time...what can I say? they were raised in a barn) she runs in, knocks the garbage can over and runs out with garbage in her mouth, hoping to get a morsel. The other day I went outside to call Sadie to come get ready for school and I see Millie struggling over by the end of the house. I go to her to inspect and she has one of my P.E.T. canning canisters stuck on her head! The residue on the inside tells me that this container was once full of Cocoa Puffs. I can only imagine what she was thinking, "Yes, this is stuck on my head but since I'm here, I might as well eat the cereal." I'm pretty sure I won't be filling this one with oatmeal anytime soon...it is now a bug collector for the kids. Only a few more weeks till we can get rid of the puppies. I can't wait till Millie is back to normal!


This is the latest fashion, don't you know? I must pose for the camera.
Sadie tried to remove it, but it was REALLY stuck. It took everything Eric had to get it off of her!

Pyrameds are the Best!

Would anyone love to try the best, most comfortable FLIP-FLOPS in the world? If you do, here's your chance. Eric's getting me a new pair for my birthday. The shipping for 1 pair of shoes is $10. DANG. With each additional pair, the shipping increases by a mere $3.50. You do the math. I highly recommend these...I can't live without them...let me know if you are interested.

http://store.surfnsea.com/browse.cfm/2,44.html

Believe in the Power of the Jinx

On Sunday as we were driving to church I told Eric that I was REALLY liking 2:00 church. My whole life I resisted afternoon church...it's too hard, you spend all day getting ready, no naps, the list goes on and on. Well, Sunday morning I decided that it is Wonderful! Eric lets me sleep in. I have plenty of time to prepare my lesson and get clothes ready and kids scrubbed. I said, "Can you imagine trying to go to early church now, after all these years of late church? It would be a disaster!" We get there and the Bishop stands up for announcements. He says that starting next week, church starts at 8:00AM. What? This can't be! I then remember my comments to Eric on the way. At the exact moment that I said those things, the universe shifted. The Bishop SAYS that he had a meeting with the Stake President about the unusual change but I'm certain that's only in his mind. He thinks he did, but our church time didn't actually change until I blurted out my true feelings. I jinxed it for myself and whoever else in my ward that was enjoying afternoon church. My heartfelt apologies. I will think twice before I speak and jinx whatever else may be going well for me.

You Deserve...A Swift Round-House Kick to the Face!

Why such a violent title you ask? Because that's what I would like to do to certain people when they make certain comments. Sometimes I wish I could just do whatever I felt like at the moment with no consequences. I don't want to confuse you so I will explain: Since we have been having so much "jug talk" of late, I feel the need to vent about people who can't show enough restraint to NOT comment on the size of my jug. Really, can everyone just mind their own Bid-ness? Who are you and why do I care what you think? I don't.This morning as I was waiting in line to buy mine and Eric's breakfast sodas, I hear a voice from behind me, "WOW! You really must be thirsty!!" I turn around and there is a lady (with a banana clip in her hair I might add--who wears these anymore? can you even still buy them?) that feels like she needs to stick her nose where it doesn't belong. I answer her with a very dry, "yes", and I turn my back to her. I'm pretty sure she felt stupid because of my reaction. As I was getting in my van she came out of the store and kinda glanced at me and tried not to make eye contact. That's right, lady, keep your head down and move along.

Now, if this was an isolated event I wouldn't think twice about it. However, 90% of the time, some dummy will make a comment. Really now, I don't comment to other people about their purchases. Why? Because I could care less what people are buying. I need to come up with a solution so I don't do something I regret when I'm feeling more like "Grumpfruit" and less like my normal, happy, bubbly self. I think that when they put in their 2 cents, I will put in mine right back at them. For example: "Man! A Monster energy drink, a pack of cigarettes, and a King-size Peanut Butter Cups! You must have a death wish. Call a hot-line and get some help, buddy." This might work if we weren't living in a time where people will pull a gun at will and shoot you dead. So, as Plan B I am just going to confuse people. I will need to set my jug down, raise both hands high above my head and wiggle my fingers energetically. Then I will say in a robotic voice, "I must! I have lots of people depending on me!" This will befuddle them and they won't know what to say. I need help with this situation so if you have any more suggestions, I will take them into consideration. Thank you for your cooperation.

Why be boring?

I almost put a really gross title for this post, but showed some restraint...you can all thank me later. I just have to tell you, Hanny, Eric can't get your Chicken Parmesan out of his head. He said he had trouble going to sleep Sunday night. Not because it did him wrong, but it did him right. He has mentioned many times how delicious it was...not only the chicken, but the marinara sauce as well. He has made a suggestion that I believe is quite good. For future Sunday dinner polls, how about adding 1, 2, 3, or 4 new menu items to try so we can continue to incorporate new dishes into our rotation. He is not a creature of habit like some of the rest of us, so to make some of the more finicky eaters happy, maybe we should try this...what do all of you think of that? Yes, Mom, your opinion matters very much...please share your ideas. Sharing is not (optional).

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Crispy , seasoned chicken breast, a robust tomato sauce

and two kinds of cheese make this Italian classic simply irresistible

1/4 c. olive oil or vegetable oil

1 c. chopped onions
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
1/3 c. Progresso Italian style dry bread crumbs
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese

1. In 3 qt saucepan, heat 2 T. of the oil over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic in oil 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. Between sheets of waxed paper, flatten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. In shallow dish, mix bread crumbs and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Dip chicken into egg, then coat with bread crumb mixture.
3. In 12 inch skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Cook chicken in oil 10 to 15 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in center. Pour tomato sauce around chicken in skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over chicken. Cover and heat until melted. Sprinkle with 2 T. Parmesan cheese just before serving.

One foot on a Banana Peel

Last night for FHE treats we made banana splits. We spared no expense...bananas, ice cream, strawberry, pineapple, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. The kids had been looking forward to this for a really long time (since the day before). I don't know why every FHE can't be great...maybe it had to do something with the awesome lesson (thanks Hanny) and the best treat ever. Have you seen the Sponge Bob episode called "The Best Day Ever!" The kids were singing "It's the best treat ever!" to that tune. (I know you've seen it, Amber...I know Sponge Bob is your most favoritest show ever, you can't fool me). Anywho, we had a great night but we had to wrap it up with some bad news for the kids. We had to tell them that because of the economy, we were going to have to let one of them go.....

(OK, not really but that would have been funny!)

Gilbert Temple

GILBERT TEMPLE ARTIST RENDITION

The 10-acre site selected for the Gilbert Arizona Temple is located near the Loop 202 on the southeast corner of Greenfield Road and Pecos Road.

Feeling lucky?

Check out the website Matage Custom Framing (link in side-bar). Enter the drawing for a beautiful piece of art! You never know!